iPad, The App Store and Software Piracy

A dork of the digital age I find the unraveling of iPad an interesting move on the part of Apple. The potential for a touch sensitive tablet computer is huge. The concept is hardly new, in fact, I'm a little sad they released the embryo. However, I am thrilled it happened at all. I thought maybe another 5 years before it would start penetrating the market.

At the moment it only works for the kind of person that uses a NetBook. No real need for powerful software, light applications and internet access. I know a few people who will love the product. Utterly useless for me.

However, once the processing power is there, it'll be a gift from God to those who have a mobile office or studio. Having the option to run powerful software without the addition bulk will do a lot to take the weight off my shoulders (literally).

What truly intrigues me is the way they're using the Apps Store, and what it could mean for software piracy.

You can only buy applications for iPhone or iPad though that store. That gives apple a chance to inspect the code to make sure some standards are met (not to suggest things are entirely glitch free). It also means you only buy the software once, ever. Even if the device crashes, you log into the Apps store and it lets you download all previous purchases without any hassle. It's also fabulous for monitoring software updates.

If I download cracked or stolen software onto my iPhone, they won't fix it should a problem occur. Warranties and Insurance no longer apply. There's a list of penalties associated with such actions. Honestly, their great service on products is part of the reason I like to deal with them. Anytime I've had a problem, they were very proficient in fixing it. That's a serious deterrent for me.

Once iPad develops into a powerful tablet computer, will all software still have to be purchased through the App store? Will I have to go through there to get my Photoshop, my Microsoft Word? That would totally prevent me from ever being able to pirate the software I so enjoy.

Often people in software/movie/music rights management moan over the inability to get all hardware manufacturers to converge on a set of standards that would prevent laptops and DVD's from being able to play pirated content - much the way the gaming industry has done. Not to suggest that it's impossible to crack a gaming console, but it requires enough effort that many don't bother. Altering the console hardware is more then most are willing to do. The gaming industry continues to decimated the profits of music and movies combined. People have to purchase their product and play it on specific hardware in order for it to function.

I sit on the fence when it comes to pirating issues. I couldn't afford the software I'm now a professional in fresh out of high school. I pirated it, learned it inside out, started working as a professional, and then bought the licensed versions and all the updates. People have the right to get paid for the work they produce - the intellectual property of music, movies and software included. We're still in the Wild West of the digital age, and the ease of piracy won't last, nor should it. Personally I think the key is targeting the hosts the same way they do with child pornography.

It's been interesting to watch the spread of the Pirate Party (pirate-party.us) across the globe: Ireland, Sweden, Australia, Spain, Chile, Germany, France, Poland, Russia and the USA.

The USA party is fighiting for:
• The Rejection of the Concept of Online Piracy
• Abolition of the DMCA (circumvention of copy protection, as well as making backup copies of any media illegal)
• Reform of Patent: Patent is abused extensively around the world, has become the chief legal means to suppress innovation, and is largely to blame for stymieing technological progress.
• Reform of Copyright: unreasonable term length, and is used to prevent, rather than promote, innovation
• Abolition of Digital Rights Management
• Reform of Trademark: A curious thought - Trademarks should also not appear as the central issue on any dispute not arising from fraud.

Thoughts?

I think (as I’ve not seen it) that the iPad will dominate the netbook/ibook market. Apple has the IP rights and distribution down cold (whether you like the way they do it or not), the interface is the best, and well, it’s Apple.

On the other hand it is a lot of hype right now, marketing to gloss over the gaps. Without some level of phone or laptop capability it’s just one more thing to carry around. You will still need a phone and a laptop.

How hard can it be to build in a phone?

Oh wait a minute, that’s release 3.0.

A dork of the digital age I find the unraveling of iPad an interesting move on the part of Apple. The potential for a touch sensitive tablet computer is huge.

CT: I had been looking at e-readers for my tween daughter when the iPad came out. She already has an iTouch. But she reads incessantly, and an e-reader is a way of letting her carry a library around w/o the concomitant weight. I think iPad is going to dominate the e-reader market for two reasons: (1) it is a multi-function device; and (2) it is in color...the only one! Sure, it is missing some apps like that which would allow you to run Hulu, but I think there will be a bridge over that in the next iPad generation.

What truly intrigues me is the way they're using the Apps Store, and what it could mean for software piracy.

Once iPad develops into a powerful tablet computer, will all software still have to be purchased through the App store? Will I have to go through there to get my Photoshop, my Microsoft Word? That would totally prevent me from ever being able to pirate the software I so enjoy.

CT: I bought Microsoft Office for my Mac from the Apple store at the same time I bought the Mac. However, you can purchase the Mac version of Microsoft Office from any number of 3rd-party sellers: MacMall; Best Buy; 'net sellers. I assume that will not change in the future.

We're still in the Wild West of the digital age, and the ease of piracy won't last, nor should it. Personally I think the key is targeting the hosts the same way they do with child pornography.

CT: We will continue to be in the Wild West as long as the digital age moves light years faster than the law. The law changes very slowly. For instance, when this country began, if you owned land, you owned it from the depth of the earth to the heavens. This worked out OK until there were planes flying over people's property. Then the law had to change. The same for water rights. In the East, where water is plentiful, you owned the water on your land. If a stream went through your land, you owned that part of it. However, in the West, where water wasn't so plentiful, the law had to change in order to give everyone a fair share of the water. My point is, the law in the digital age has to change, but it's very slow to do so.


Thoughts? Originally Posted by Lauren Summerhill

See CT's comments in bold above.

As someone who has worked in the PC industry (And Mac's are a PC... Personal Computer) I am not very impressed with Apple's newest intro. I think it is simply a larger iPod Touch or iPhone, with more processor. I think it is also weak competition for the Kindle, as the display is not nearly as nice for reading as the ePaper display on the eReaders.

My biggest problem with Apple is the Apps Store! The lawsuit over Google Voice is just the beginning. Apple has never had a good direction on what is their position for inclusion, and they don't even give good solid answers to what the problem is, to the rejected software's programmer.

As a user, I want a device that allows me to run what I want. Having a closed system, results in the device being, most mediocre in class. Competition brings out the best and strongest features. The Microsoft OS world is successful, as Microsoft has supported other manufacturers selling software to run under their OS. I believe it is only a matter of time before we see the lawsuits stemming from Apple refusing service or repair of jailbroken iPhones. Car manufacturers can't refuse warranting your car if you get your oil changed elsewhere.

Regarding Piracy... I think most of the individuals under the age of 35 don't get it. Copying a song, software, dvd, and giving it to your friend, is theft! This, "It doesn't really hurt anyone." attitude is part of the problem. It hurts the programmers, business people, investors, that are involved with those businesses. Many have lost their jobs, because people don't pay, but use the content.

Saying "I'm a student so I can't afford it" is hogwash. Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, etc... all have educational programs in place that offer software at bargain basement prices. Even if a package isn't offered as an educational version is not a valid excuse. Just because you can't have the best, doesn't mean you can't learn. Perhaps you should pick up some shareware?

It seems too many people in this country have a lack of moral fiber. They understand it is wrong to steal, but because they really want a handbag, shoe, dvd, cd, software, or other item, they believe their actions are justified.

For example, I recently took the iPod's purchased for my niece and nephew from them. Approximately 90% of the content on their devices was pirated. The kids were told to delete the offending content, or lose the devices. They agreed, deleted the content from their device, and restored it the next day from their PCs. (The fact that they thought they'd get away with this, tells me their grey matter is not as developed as I had thought.) Their parents reaction was that "All the kids do it.", you don't have the right to take them, they were a gift. I told the kids and their parents that yes, they were gifts, and I'd be happy to talk to the police!

I've taken my stand on digital rights and piracy. I think it is time for others to show some Moral fiber.

Regarding Piracy... I think most of the individuals under the age of 35 don't get it. Copying a song, software, dvd, and giving it to your friend, is theft! This, "It doesn't really hurt anyone." attitude is part of the problem. It hurts the programmers, business people, investors, that are involved with those businesses. Many have lost their jobs, because people don't pay, but use the content.

..........

It seems too many people in this country have a lack of moral fiber. They understand it is wrong to steal, but because they really want a handbag, shoe, dvd, cd, software, or other item, they believe their actions are justified.

......................

I've taken my stand on digital rights and piracy. I think it is time for others to show some Moral fiber. Originally Posted by 69er

I think "kids today" get that theft of tangible items is wrong. It is wrong to go into WalMart and steal a candy bar or a TV. It is wrong to go into your neighbor's house and take something that isn't yours. Sure some still will steal "things" but that has always been the case.

I agree there is a thinking with digital content that "if you can get away with it, it really isn't theft" or "if the company is too stupid to let it happen, they deserve it," but I'll suggest this is nothing new and it isn't limited to "kids" (and I guess by your definition I still barely qualify)

I mean lets go back 25 years and look at all the piracy of cable TV that went on, and it wasn't limited to kids. The rationalization was all over the place, "Well if the damn company isn't going to turn off HBO just because we cancelled it f&(&'em, why not watch it, who are we hurting?" etc. etc. & these were "good people" The one thing that hasn't changed is with tangible items people still got right from wrong. Taking a candy bar without paying for it is still wrong.

As someone who has worked in the PC industry (And Mac's are a PC... Personal Computer) I am not very impressed with Apple's newest intro. I think it is simply a larger iPod Touch or iPhone, with more processor. I think it is also weak competition for the Kindle, as the display is not nearly as nice for reading as the ePaper display on the eReaders.

My biggest problem with Apple is the Apps Store! The lawsuit over Google Voice is just the beginning. Apple has never had a good direction on what is their position for inclusion, and they don't even give good solid answers to what the problem is, to the rejected software's programmer.

As a user, I want a device that allows me to run what I want. Having a closed system, results in the device being, most mediocre in class. Competition brings out the best and strongest features. The Microsoft OS world is successful, as Microsoft has supported other manufacturers selling software to run under their OS. I believe it is only a matter of time before we see the lawsuits stemming from Apple refusing service or repair of jailbroken iPhones. Car manufacturers can't refuse warranting your car if you get your oil changed elsewhere.

Regarding Piracy... I think most of the individuals under the age of 35 don't get it. Copying a song, software, dvd, and giving it to your friend, is theft! This, "It doesn't really hurt anyone." attitude is part of the problem. It hurts the programmers, business people, investors, that are involved with those businesses. Many have lost their jobs, because people don't pay, but use the content.

Saying "I'm a student so I can't afford it" is hogwash. Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, etc... all have educational programs in place that offer software at bargain basement prices. Even if a package isn't offered as an educational version is not a valid excuse. Just because you can't have the best, doesn't mean you can't learn. Perhaps you should pick up some shareware?

It seems too many people in this country have a lack of moral fiber. They understand it is wrong to steal, but because they really want a handbag, shoe, dvd, cd, software, or other item, they believe their actions are justified.

For example, I recently took the iPod's purchased for my niece and nephew from them. Approximately 90% of the content on their devices was pirated. The kids were told to delete the offending content, or lose the devices. They agreed, deleted the content from their device, and restored it the next day from their PCs. (The fact that they thought they'd get away with this, tells me their grey matter is not as developed as I had thought.) Their parents reaction was that "All the kids do it.", you don't have the right to take them, they were a gift. I told the kids and their parents that yes, they were gifts, and I'd be happy to talk to the police!

I've taken my stand on digital rights and piracy. I think it is time for others to show some Moral fiber. Originally Posted by 69er

1. I agree Macs are personal computers. But terminology in the industry has established a definite difference between referring to a "Mac" or "PC." The Mac runs an Apple OS, while a PC runs a Windows OS.
2. We just basically disagree about the Kindle. I really think the iPad will overtake Kindle's dominance of the industry. I'd also like to note that the Kindle may not be the best or most versatile ereader--just the most widely purchased. I've been looking at Ectasco Jetbook. It's $100 cheaper, a little bit smaller, has a visual screen that is easier on the eyes, has a slot for an SD chip, and runs more formats than the Kindle.
3. I think if the Apps Store was going to draw lawsuits, it would already have happened in this litigious society.
4. Your example of Microsoft as the pinnacle of "competition" is extremely misplaced. There is no better example of an 800 pound gorilla that has ruthlessly crushed competition and refused to allow open source code. They sold their OS to many manufacturers in order to monopolize the industry, not out of a desire to engage in "competition."
5. I agree with your position on piracy issues. But we need to find a way to control the thefts, and it may be in creating digital locks that can't be removed w/o a key that is paid for.

I can tell from your post that you are a loyal Microsoft user, probably invested in the computer industry as an IT person. I don't blame you for trying to jealously guard your expertise against a competitor like Apple. But don't knock it if you don't own one. Just the start up and shut down of my Mac knocks Windows out of competition as far as I'm concerned. And almost on every level does the Mac beat a Windows system--especially if it is running Vista. I have never run into such an overblown piece of hype that became such a failure. My last PC crashed on almost a daily basis. My current Mac has yet to crash in the year that I've had it. Oh yes, and I am still forced to use PCs at work. The difference is really noticable...PCs don't finish first.

Melinda Gates was interviewed about a year ago. During the interview, she was asked if there was anything she wanted that she didn't already have. She said, "Yes." Bill wouldn't allow the purchase of an iPod. Imagine, to be so blindly loyal to a product that you would prefer mediocrity when you could have excellence.

Apple makes some good products but for all of their others they have great marketing. I am very interested to see what happens to the company when Steve Jobs retires. Will they start to make even more good products or will they rely heavily on their marketing?

I am sure that could be discussed for ages but back on topic since this was about piracy and the app store not PC vs Mac.

I won't disagree that pirating is stealing however I do download everything before I buy it. I download Software and Games, if I like them I go buy the real thing, if I would have been pissed if I spent money on the item then I uninstall it and do not use it. If I download music I like then I go pay for the tracks as I want to support the artist so they make more music. If I want to see a movie there is no way I will download it and miss experience of it in a theater but movies I would never watch in a theater I will might download once in a while just to see it before it hits DVD, if it is even decent then I will buy it when it is released and if not I won't, I do own over 1000 DVD's that were purchased. I downloaded Vista which should not be compared with any final release OS as it was simply a beta for Windows 7, Microsoft always sells their beta with a separate title and they make a lot of money doing it. I never purchased it, however I did buy Windows 7 Ultimate and have not had time to install it yet but have my paid for copy as I know that eventually I will use it. I am sure my way is still considered stealing for many but I am able to justify it to myself and I don't feel bad about any of it. Once companies quit releasing garbage that they half ass then I guess I can just buy an app and know that it will be good but currently that does not happen.

Piracy every going away? There is no hardware that will prevent piracy. Whatever comes out will eventually be obtained by someone pirating or there will be a way around it eventually. It is so mainstream that I do not ever see it ever going away. There will always be someone willing to take the risk and as more protection and ways to prevent piracy come out, there will be the other side where new technologies are learned and everything will be cracked eventually. Every app out for an ipod is available to download and install free. I don't think that everyone cracks an ipod or similar item just for free apps, however it is the case most of the time. I cracked my Ipod and Pre(much better than iphone imo) so I can use it for things it is capable of, not so I can install free software. Maybe I want a bourne shell, ftp functions and to keep my ip updated. Unfortunately with the kiddie stage now days you don't even have to be able to follow simple instructions, you can 1 click jailbreak your ipod.


I could say much more on the piracy subject but I think I took up enough space for now.

I won't disagree that pirating is stealing however I do download everything before I buy it. I download Software and Games, if I like them I go buy the real thing, if I would have been pissed if I spent money on the item then I uninstall it and do not use it. Originally Posted by randomuser

IMHO whether or not you should be able to download first and pay later is up to the maker of the software/games. A lot of makers give you a 30 day trial. The last PC I bought had Office on a 60 day trial. If the make chooses NOT to allow this free test is up to the maker, and if you do it w/o the maker's permission, that is theft. Even if you pay for it later. It is the Maker that has the right to describe the license being given in the EUL. Doesn't matter what you want, or whether you'll get pissed or not. They created it, and have the right to set the terms of use.

I kind of like the ease of the app store too. But one problem I see evolving is clutter. There are too many apps out there that make it difficult to find the really useful ones.

I can tell from your post that you are a loyal Microsoft user, probably invested in the computer industry as an IT person. Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

Actually not... I'm a hardware guy. I work for a major IC manufacturer, that does power IC's for portable devices.

I don't blame you for trying to jealously guard your expertise against a competitor like Apple. But don't knock it if you don't own one.

LOL... That's not to say that I haven't owned one, as I have. I found it incredibly difficult to make it do many of the kinds of things I wanted. Apple PC's are nice for "appliance users." As long as it does what you want out of the box, perhaps with a couple purchases of software, you'll be happy. If you want to do lots of work with hardware, or much more, you'd do better with a PC. I think it is funny how many Apple users try to convine everyone that running some virtual machine running a version of windows is not that hard! I think it is an order of magnitude more difficult than just running a windows PC in the first place. If the Mac is "all that" why would I want windows?

Just the start up and shut down of my Mac knocks Windows out of competition as far as I'm concerned. And almost on every level does the Mac beat a Windows system--especially if it is running Vista.

I've never understood all the Vista bashing. I think most of it is people who are too lazy to learn a new OS. I think the other issue is that Vista is much more processor hungry. Using it on an older PC when it came out, was a recipe for failure. Microsoft's downfall was not recognizing that.

I have never run into such an overblown piece of hype that became such a failure. My last PC crashed on almost a daily basis. My current Mac has yet to crash in the year that I've had it. Oh yes, and I am still forced to use PCs at work. The difference is really noticable...PCs don't finish first.

I have two personal desktops that run Microsoft products. One is running Vista 64 bit, the other Windows 7 64 bit. Each gets rebotted every couple weeks, not because they have to, but because of the Windows Updates. I haven't had a BSOD, or lock up, in at least a year.

The key to a windows PC that doesn't crash all the time, is picking hardware carefully (Apple doesn't have this problem, as you get apple hardware, or they don't support it.), paying as much attention to compatibility as performance. The other important point is software. Picking software that is robust, will result in few crashes.

I think this has a lot to do with the task Microsoft has, as opposed to the task Apple has. Microsoft supports multiple different processor manufacturers with their OS, they support multitudes of different hardware, and anyone can sell software for the Windows OS. If software or hardware crashes the OS, everyone blames Microsoft. In most cases the problems are traced back to low level drivers, or hardware. Legacy hardware and software are Microsoft's biggest asset, and liability.

Melinda Gates was interviewed about a year ago. During the interview, she was asked if there was anything she wanted that she didn't already have. She said, "Yes." Bill wouldn't allow the purchase of an iPod. Imagine, to be so blindly loyal to a product that you would prefer mediocrity when you could have excellence.

You and I both know that if she did have one, that it would be days, and the Ad's would come out shoving that fact into every customers face. Bill Gates is smart enough to know there are no secrets, and he understands how his bread gets buttered.

Without some level of phone or laptop capability it’s just one more thing to carry around. You will still need a phone and a laptop. How hard can it be to build in a phone? Oh wait a minute, that’s release 3.0. Originally Posted by terbul

I always skip the first model and try to hold out on the second. They companies are still figuring out the problems and possibilities in a real world environment.

Hype is necessary, nothing moves without marketing. I think it's a test for Apple in a real world setting. It's a really simplified device, and I think they know it. I suspect they just don't want to give something to a public that seems too much of a change.

If they marketed the iphone as a pocket computer with a phone application - everyone would have laughed. Only uber geeks like me would buy in. Tell the masses it's a phone, a technology they're familiar with, and they buy in. Then realize they have a pocket computer.

I think the phone app on iPad is only useful in a limited fashion. It's great to use with a wireless head piece. However, when I'm going to the movies, I don't want to take an iPad because it has my phone on it. I want to throw a small device into my back pocket.

Eventually, iphone/itouch and ipad will work in complete unison.

I think iPad is going to dominate the e-reader market Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

As someone who has worked in the PC industry (And Mac's are a PC... Personal Computer) I am not very impressed with Apple's newest intro. I think it is simply a larger iPod Touch or iPhone, with more processor. I think it is also weak competition for the Kindle, as the display is not nearly as nice for reading as the ePaper display on the eReaders. Originally Posted by 69er

I totally agree.

The Kindle isn't an illuminated screen and for serious reader's that a real attraction. Reading for extended time on the iPad will kill your eyes. The eReaders seem to use magnet dust to form and reform letters and images - just like your etch-a-sketch. There's no glow to harm your eyes.

We will continue to be in the Wild West as long as the digital age moves light years faster than the law. Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

Hell technology moves light years faster than it's own ability to adapt. Good point though. However, I think once basic laws are put into place regarding hosting illegal content, it'll do a lot to tame the wild west. There is the problem of international agreement, and willingness to prosecute though... Regardless of what laws North America passes if New Zealand lets me do as I please, I'll just move servers over there.

My biggest problem with Apple is the Apps Store! The lawsuit over Google Voice is just the beginning. Apple has never had a good direction on what is their position for inclusion, and they don't even give good solid answers to what the problem is, to the rejected software's programmer.

As a user, I want a device that allows me to run what I want.

Well that's actually what concerns me as well. I don't always trust Apple's ethical compass. I like the idea of an apps store as a way to prevent stolen software, however, everyone should have the opportunity to sell their product.

I also feel that if I buy my phone up front - I should be able to use it with any provider at any time I please! It's outrageous to be forced into 4 year contracts just to get the phone, even if I pay the full cost up front.

Car manufacturers can't refuse warranting your car if you get your oil changed elsewhere.

What about times when you aren't talking about an engine. Sometimes they're altering the engine, or adding a nitro boost to the car?

Regarding Piracy... I think most of the individuals under the age of 35 don't get it. Copying a song, software, dvd, and giving it to your friend, is theft! This, "It doesn't really hurt anyone." attitude is part of the problem.

[quote=randomuser] There is no hardware that will prevent piracy. [quote]

Yes it is theft, but this theft isn't new. I also recall people making VHS and cassette copies all the time, it's just that you couldn't distribute them with the kind of ease the internet offers, and the quality wasn't this good. Piracy has been part of life since we had ships, and it'll be a part of life when we're living on space stations.

Before the digital age, I could still take my movie to my friends house and watch it with them. Now some Digital Rights Management Systems will only allow me to play the file on a certain number of devices - up to 5. I find that pretty aggravating. However, as it becomes easier to plug in your Personal Digital Device into more TV's and Radios, that matters less and less.

There is no hardware that prevents privacy, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to create. The impossible part is creating an industry standard that everyone will willingly adhere to. Even in such a case it will always be possible, but when people have to exert effort they stop bothering. There should be hardware deterrents put into place. It'll be a lot more effective then criminalizing an entire generation of teenagers.

Saying "I'm a student so I can't afford it" is hogwash. Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, etc... all have educational programs in place that offer software at bargain basement prices. Even if a package isn't offered as an educational version is not a valid excuse. Just because you can't have the best, doesn't mean you can't learn. Perhaps you should pick up some shareware?

I agree, it's hogwash. It was wrong of me to pirate the software. Do I regret it? No. Would I do it again? Yep.

Shareware? Ha! If you're going into a profession that is software depended, there are no comparable sharewares. The systems are so advanced and the interface so smooth, that industry standards have no comparable shareware. That's great for a hobbyist, or to complete a single task, but for doing an entire project at professional levels - not a chance. The sad truth is it takes a whole team of people years to develop it, and takes huge development teams to keep it up. Do they deserve to get paid? Of course.

I wasn't actually a student. If I were, I could have purchased the software to learn at a reasonable cost. Educational versions are usually attainable. I was self taught, in my profession the only thing that matters is your portfolio. I didn't want the filler classes, I wanted to know how to use the tools and then start my work - which is exactly what I did. I skipped 3-5 years of schooling, and in a year was functioning as a competitive freelancer with others who had the paperwork. The moment I was doing paid work, I bought all my licenses and have continued to do so.

You can learn professional industry software free - the internet has amazing educational tools. But if you can't afford the program to practice on... you're at a loss. Perhaps in the world of Cloud Computing (jump all over that as you see fit Terbul) there might be affordable options for independent learners.

What I did may not be ethical, but I can't say I care or feel bad. What they got from my success was a paying customer who will be loyal as long as I'm in the industry.

If I like them I go buy the real thing, if I would have been pissed if I spent money on the item then I uninstall it and do not use it. If I download music I like then I go pay for the tracks as I want to support the artist so they make more music. Originally Posted by randomuser

Ditto. I do buy my movies and songs - but I'll listen to a whole CD and movie online first to see if I want to add it to my collection. I also watch TV shows only online - so if the official website won't show them, I'll go to a Korean website and watch. I don't think I've chosen to watch the TV in years.

And as much as I love "Bitter Sweet Symphony" I'll never buy The Verve CD, they'll never see a dime

The kids were told to delete the offending content, or lose the devices. They agreed, deleted the content from their device, and restored it the next day from their PCs. (The fact that they thought they'd get away with this, tells me their grey matter is not as developed as I had thought.) Their parents reaction was that "All the kids do it.", you don't have the right to take them, they were a gift. I told the kids and their parents that yes, they were gifts, and I'd be happy to talk to the police!

I've taken my stand on digital rights and piracy. I think it is time for others to show some Moral fiber.

Good for you! I think intellectual property, not just psychical, has value as well. It's naive to think stealing a song doesn't have repercussions. Talented musicians can't afford to dedicate their life to creating the art you love if they have to choose abject poverty to do so. Instead you get a massive amount of noise consisting of mediocre to poor material from people who have no real talent and nothing to loose because they aren't dedicated to the art. It'll move us toward another dark age, one of static noise - it hurts civilization not just individuals.

My current Mac has yet to crash in the year that I've had it. Oh yes, and I am still forced to use PCs at work. The difference is really noticable...PCs don't finish first.

I Run both Mac and PC. I feel no real loyalty to either - however I have had a consistently better experience with Mac over the years. I started just using Mac for specific purposes and mostly sticking to PC. Now I avoid Microsoft whenever I can, because the quality just isn't there. I do have one PC that plays a very important role - however I treat it like an island, and it's been pretty consistent. My Mac's have had their glitches and their crashes, but I can call into Apple's assistance team, and they know their stuff inside and out. I'm walked through it quickly and easily. Hardware problems have also been dealt with wonderfully by the Apple team. The problems with Mac are rare and few - though I have had two iPhones fail on me for no particular reason (and they just game me a shiny new one).

I am very interested to see what happens to the company when Steve Jobs retires. Will they start to make even more good products or will they rely heavily on their marketing? Originally Posted by randomuser

I'm terrified of Steve Jobs walking away. It's more then just marketing, it's his overall conceptualization of how technology and mankind interact, and how to merge that with marketing and design. The only comparison is the Google team. The two harness technology and human interaction with it, all the other competitors just make products that try to compete with what exits. Microsoft is no longer on the cutting edge of innovation. Some would argue they never were.

I kind of like the ease of the app store too. But one problem I see evolving is clutter. There are too many apps out there that make it difficult to find the really useful ones. Originally Posted by pjorourke

Indeed. However, there are some really good websites and magazines available now that make the process much easier. It's like with any computer software, it'll take a little research to find an app that does what you want, and then pick the best one.

I haven't had a BSOD, or lock up, in at least a year. Originally Posted by 69er

What sacrilege! No Blue Screen of Death! I've paid extra for that "feature." Boy, what's next "send error report to Microsoft" will be gone too?!

Me? I'm on Wintel XP Pro SP3, the laptop (Sony Vaio) running IE6 and the desktop runs IE8. BTW, IE8 crashes and then says it go back to where it "done blowed up" (NASCAR technical explanation). I'm guessing it is a setting or something. The desktop is about 4+ years old, put together as a gray machine (Intel MB D865PERL, Pent 4, 3Ghz, reasonable buss speed 800 mhz, at the time it was purchased), healthy memory 4gig. But still does that restoring the page. Also (since I'm on a roll and maybe someone more geeky than me can help), I get that error report request a lot on the NYTimes site (yeah, I know you conservatives will say it's because it's a pinko liberal rag, but I subscribe to print and that gives me online, too. Does that make me a pinko liberal? Prolly )

I get that error report request a lot on the NYTimes site (yeah, I know you conservatives will say it's because it's a pinko liberal rag, but I subscribe to print and that gives me online, too. Does that make me a pinko liberal? Prolly ) Originally Posted by SR Only

If you also subscribe to the WSJ, the two will cancel each other out and you'll have a perfect running machine.

I'd like to, but when Murdoch bought it, it kind of sullied their image. Actually, I was hoping he'd open it up for free. No such luck, and as has been reported, the Times will start charging soon. The kiss of death was dropping the wine column "Tasting" by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher. http://www.mije.org/richardprince/ws...eam-end-column